She is also a member of an elected group of miniaturists, Miniature Artists of America.

Other memberships include the Miniature Art Society of Florida (honorary member) and the Washington Society of Miniature Painters, Sculptors and Gravers, the oldest miniature society in the United States.

Published Articles

Any acid free smooth base can be used for the technique of the miniature, even a linen canvas, if it is well primed to a good smooth surface. In this section today we will discuss vellum. Historically, miniature paintings, illuminated documents, and calligraphy were made on treated skins — kidskin, lambskin, calfskin — usually of…

The delicate luminous and traditional look of a miniature is due to the base upon which it is painted. The best bases are ivory, Kelmscott vellum, and ivorine, all of which will take oil, alkyd oil, and transparent acrylic colors. Hot pressed Plate Bristol is a good choice for watercolor, as the seal is so…

Joan Cornish Willies, member of the Royal Society of Miniatures Painters, Sculptors, and Gravers, teaches us to paint “The Red Kite” Published by Dollhouse Miniatures May/June 2009 Click on headline to link to magazine – the article appears on Pages 50-56.

Joan Cornish Willies, member of the prestigious Royal Society of Miniatures Painters, Sculptors, and Gravers, graciously walks us through the process of miniature painting Published by Dollhouse Miniatures March/April 2008 marchapril08